This Cabin Has Grown From A Simple Bunkhouse To A Retreat For A Family

July 12, 2017

This modern cabin in the forest has grown over the years from a simple bunkhouse to a full retreat with multiple bedrooms for family and friends.

Photography by Kevin Scott

 

Back in 1912,  the grandparents of Jim Olson (of architecture firm Olson Kundig), built their own summer cottage in Longbranch, Washington.

During summers and weekends, Jim Olson spent plenty of time at the cottage, and at the age of 18 and as first-year architecture student, his dad gave him $500 and told him to “Go build a bunkhouse.” Jim’s tiny 200 square foot cabin sat in the trees, and when the grandparent’s original cottage was destroyed by fire in the 1960’s, it was the only thing left standing.

Since then, that bunkhouse has been remodeled multiple times, and each time the remodel integrates the previous structure rather than replacing it.

 

This modern cabin in the forest has grown over the years from a simple bunkhouse to a full retreat with multiple bedrooms for family and friends.

First photo by Kevin Scott. Second photo by Kyle Johnson.

Throughout the years, the cabin has had various pavilions linked by wood platforms and in 2003, a unified roof was installed to cover all of the buildings.

This modern cabin in the forest has grown over the years from a simple bunkhouse to a full retreat with multiple bedrooms for family and friends.

First photo by Benjamin Benschneider. Second photo by Kevin Scott.

In the following years, further additions were added to create a forest retreat that measures in at 2,400 square feet (222sqm).

This modern cabin in the forest has grown over the years from a simple bunkhouse to a full retreat with multiple bedrooms for family and friends.

Photography by Kevin Scott

Inside the cabin, readily available materials, like plywood or recycled boards, have been used for the walls. The furnishings and decor have a simple natural palette, with plenty of neutral tones and textures.

Inside the cabin, readily available materials, like plywood or recycled boards, have been used for the walls. The furnishings and decor have a simple natural palette, with plenty of neutral tones and textures.

Photography by Kevin Scott

Large windows and glass doors connect the interior with the exterior spaces.

Large windows and glass doors connect the interior with the exterior spaces of this modern cabin.

Photography by Kevin Scott

A variety of outdoor spaces enables the family to relax and enjoy the water views.

This modern cabin in the forest has grown over the years from a simple bunkhouse to a full retreat with multiple bedrooms for family and friends.

Photography by Kevin Scott

Over the years and as the size of the cabin expanded, it became necessary to build around a tree.

This modern cabin in the forest has grown over the years from a simple bunkhouse to a full retreat with multiple bedrooms for family and friends.

Photography by Benjamin Benschneider

The cabin has a couple of living areas, and in this case, you can see where different walls connect.

The interior of this modern cabin features plenty of wood.

Photography by Kevin Scott

Large windows throughout the cabin provide natural light filtered by the trees.

Large windows throughout this modern cabin provide natural light filtered by the trees.

Photography by Kevin Scott

Here’s a look at one of the bedrooms. It features built-in shelving and windows on either side of the bed.

This bedroom inside a modern cabin features built-in shelving and windows on either side of the bed.

Photography by Benjamin Benschneider

In the bathroom, a window allows the stones appear to flow from the forest straight into the bathroom.

In this modern cabin bathroom, a window allows the stones appear to flow from the forest straight into the bathroom.

Photography by Benjamin Benschneider